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Hot Under the Mistletoe #1
My Fake Bad Boyfriend
Wanted: one very bad boyfriend for the holidays
I don't just need a fake boyfriend. I need the worst fake boyfriend in the world.
Someone who'll get my family off my back about my perpetually single state. Someone so awful they'll beg me to never bring another man home again.
Gabe promised he was up to the task, but by the time we've said hello to the parents and dropped our bags in my childhood bedroom, I've learned that he's a little too good at being bad.
We have so much fun, in fact, that I start to forget it’s all for show. By the time Christmas Eve rolls around, Gabe’s the only thing I want to unwrap. And if I do, I’m afraid he’ll be the gift I never want to return.
My Fake Bad Boyfriend is a hot standalone holiday novella that's sweet as a candy cane, funny as Elf , and spicy as fireball whiskey in your hot chocolate. Treat yourself to a laugh-out-loud holiday romance!
I don't just need a fake boyfriend. I need the worst fake boyfriend in the world.
Someone who'll get my family off my back about my perpetually single state. Someone so awful they'll beg me to never bring another man home again.
Gabe promised he was up to the task, but by the time we've said hello to the parents and dropped our bags in my childhood bedroom, I've learned that he's a little too good at being bad.
We have so much fun, in fact, that I start to forget it’s all for show. By the time Christmas Eve rolls around, Gabe’s the only thing I want to unwrap. And if I do, I’m afraid he’ll be the gift I never want to return.
My Fake Bad Boyfriend is a hot standalone holiday novella that's sweet as a candy cane, funny as Elf , and spicy as fireball whiskey in your hot chocolate. Treat yourself to a laugh-out-loud holiday romance!
160 pages, Paperback
First published November 28, 2021
223 people are currently reading
977 people want to read
About the author
Sara Whitney
24 books293 followersSara Whitney writes spicy rom-coms so addictive, you'll finish them in one sitting and immediately stalk her for the next book. Her sassy heroines and alpha-sweet heroes who'll make you laugh out loud on one page and absolutely wreck you on the next.
A recovering journalist and film critic who went rogue and got a Ph.D., Sara splits her time between professing, writing swoony smut, and badgering her friends to watch her latest TV obsessions. She lives in Illinois in a house with hot pink hallways and three sweet but sociopathic cats who'd like you to know they're on the brink of starvation (despite their ample proportions as evidence to the contrary). Through it all, she survives on Swedish Fish, overly sweet coffee, Yankees baseball, and the unwavering belief that red lipstick can fix almost anything.
Keep up with the latest by subscribing to Sara's mailing list at http://www.sarawhitney.com/subscribe
A recovering journalist and film critic who went rogue and got a Ph.D., Sara splits her time between professing, writing swoony smut, and badgering her friends to watch her latest TV obsessions. She lives in Illinois in a house with hot pink hallways and three sweet but sociopathic cats who'd like you to know they're on the brink of starvation (despite their ample proportions as evidence to the contrary). Through it all, she survives on Swedish Fish, overly sweet coffee, Yankees baseball, and the unwavering belief that red lipstick can fix almost anything.
Keep up with the latest by subscribing to Sara's mailing list at http://www.sarawhitney.com/subscribe
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 261 reviews
December 1, 2023
(Just another pallet cleanser between heavier Romantasy books.)
This book was very well executed for such a short novella. Especially as it puts a wrinkle on the tried and true fake dating trope. I might peruse Sara Whitney's back catalog after this.
Oh, and it was also another ebook from my September 'Stuff Your Kindle' stash FWTW.
This book was very well executed for such a short novella. Especially as it puts a wrinkle on the tried and true fake dating trope. I might peruse Sara Whitney's back catalog after this.
Oh, and it was also another ebook from my September 'Stuff Your Kindle' stash FWTW.
November 15, 2023
I've read a lot of fake relationship stories, but this one is an adorable spin on the trope, and I absolutely loved it.
Darby is tired of her family giving her a hard time about being single so she's ready to take someone home for Christmas to get them off her back. She's not looking to take just any fake boyfriend home though. She needs to take the worst fake boyfriend imaginable so that her family will be begging her to never bring a man home again. Enter Gabe. He assures Darby that he can be a horrible boyfriend, but as soon as he meets the parents, signs of good Gabe keep seeping through. Soon, Darby and Gabe are having fun together and almost forget that it's not real.
I really enjoyed the spin on this story with Gabe trying to be the bad boyfriend. The chemistry between Gabe and Darby kept me turning the pages, and I loved the family dynamic here as well. This is a fun, steamy, short holiday novella that will have you smiling and laughing, then pulling at your heartstrings. Loved it!
Darby is tired of her family giving her a hard time about being single so she's ready to take someone home for Christmas to get them off her back. She's not looking to take just any fake boyfriend home though. She needs to take the worst fake boyfriend imaginable so that her family will be begging her to never bring a man home again. Enter Gabe. He assures Darby that he can be a horrible boyfriend, but as soon as he meets the parents, signs of good Gabe keep seeping through. Soon, Darby and Gabe are having fun together and almost forget that it's not real.
I really enjoyed the spin on this story with Gabe trying to be the bad boyfriend. The chemistry between Gabe and Darby kept me turning the pages, and I loved the family dynamic here as well. This is a fun, steamy, short holiday novella that will have you smiling and laughing, then pulling at your heartstrings. Loved it!
July 8, 2023
Severely underrated book! Positively delightful, and so funny, I want more MCs like this
December 3, 2023
3.5 ⭐️’s. I wanted to see her grovel some to him.
Good fun for the most part.
Cute, sweet, lightly funny, and mostly harmless.
My biggest issue was that I got frustrated and annoyed with the FMC.
I like that the author made it about her, building her boundaries, accepting that she had a right to them, and that she needed to own them.
What I didn’t like, was that the MMC’s needs and feelings got shoved to the side in favour of her’s entirely.
Here he was, Christmas, with only her for support, her entire family disliking him, making for a fairly lonely and miserable time.
What does she do, abandons him because it’s getting too confusing and messy.
She has her whole family making her feel loved and welcome. They may be screwing up at times, and upsetting her, but she’s not alone, and she’s in charge.
She has the safe word, not him. She gets asked if she’s okay with all that’s happening, never him. It’s always about what she needs and is okay with.
For me to love her as much as him, to think she’s really the sweetie that the story sets her up to be, I needed to see more concern for him, and his Christmas.
To care if he was enjoying himself, not to make it all about her needs and hurts.
At one point she gets a txt from a girlfriend, telling her has insecurities and needs more kindness.
She turns this into about wether he’s no5 really an asshole, and might be someone she actually wants..😳😡 that’s low and selfish.
But other than that thread running through it, it actually was a really pleasant Christmas romance.
I love me some good flaws, but I need to see some growth and recognition.
This was all about her being treated better, and speaking up.
Nothing about her treatment of him, and those errors [she did stand up for him when others were unfair to him, that was good].
Good fun for the most part.
Cute, sweet, lightly funny, and mostly harmless.
My biggest issue was that I got frustrated and annoyed with the FMC.
I like that the author made it about her, building her boundaries, accepting that she had a right to them, and that she needed to own them.
What I didn’t like, was that the MMC’s needs and feelings got shoved to the side in favour of her’s entirely.
Here he was, Christmas, with only her for support, her entire family disliking him, making for a fairly lonely and miserable time.
What does she do, abandons him because it’s getting too confusing and messy.
She has her whole family making her feel loved and welcome. They may be screwing up at times, and upsetting her, but she’s not alone, and she’s in charge.
She has the safe word, not him. She gets asked if she’s okay with all that’s happening, never him. It’s always about what she needs and is okay with.
For me to love her as much as him, to think she’s really the sweetie that the story sets her up to be, I needed to see more concern for him, and his Christmas.
To care if he was enjoying himself, not to make it all about her needs and hurts.
At one point she gets a txt from a girlfriend, telling her has insecurities and needs more kindness.
She turns this into about wether he’s no5 really an asshole, and might be someone she actually wants..😳😡 that’s low and selfish.
But other than that thread running through it, it actually was a really pleasant Christmas romance.
I love me some good flaws, but I need to see some growth and recognition.
This was all about her being treated better, and speaking up.
Nothing about her treatment of him, and those errors [she did stand up for him when others were unfair to him, that was good].
December 24, 2021
Must Read
I am a sucker for Hallmark Christmas movies and fake boyfriend Christmas books, so MY FAKE BAD BOYFRIEND had a lot going for it before I got very far. This turned out to be my favorite holiday book for 2021.
But it’s great because of the clever twist on the fake boyfriend trope and the characters of not only Gabe and Darby, but the whole family and how they dealt with Darby finally bringing home a man.
I am a sucker for Hallmark Christmas movies and fake boyfriend Christmas books, so MY FAKE BAD BOYFRIEND had a lot going for it before I got very far. This turned out to be my favorite holiday book for 2021.
But it’s great because of the clever twist on the fake boyfriend trope and the characters of not only Gabe and Darby, but the whole family and how they dealt with Darby finally bringing home a man.
January 7, 2023
As Christa Schönmann Abbühl wrote: short, sweet and spicy. I have a nice time with this novelette. I am going to read this author more. I hope her novels are the same, funny, with interesting characters, and warming my girly heart ;-)
December 13, 2021
4.5 stars
Some great humor in this clever twist on the fake relationship trope. Loved watching Gabe fall for Darcy for real; he was so sweet.
Some great humor in this clever twist on the fake relationship trope. Loved watching Gabe fall for Darcy for real; he was so sweet.
December 20, 2021
This novella delivers what it promises to in the summary, and is a hilarious and sweet time. Highly recommend if the regular Christmas romances get too cheesy for you (me).
December 10, 2023
Not really my cup of tea but it was entertaining enough.
September 24, 2023
Loved it!!! It's perfect if you're looking for a short christmasy book
November 27, 2023
“If things go according to plan, her family will be ecstatic to never see me again after this week. But it only took a few minutes into our first meeting to figure out that I liked this woman.”
✨Holiday Romance
✨Fake Dating
✨Rom-Com
Darby is sick and tired of her family making comments about her still being single at 34. So Darby decides she wants to bring a fake boyfriend to her family’s house for Christmas. In comes Gabe—a 26-year old landscaper with a troubled past. Total opposite of Darby, but perfect for the job. Darby and Gabe agree that Gabe will play the role of “Bad Gabe” and make Darby’s family regret saying she should bring someone home for Christmas. However, lines are crossed and Darby and Gabe can’t tell what’s real and what’s fake.
I absolutely loved every single moment of this book. The perfect amount of comedy with the perfect amount of spice. It may have been snowing outside in this story, but the chemistry between Darby and Gabe was scorching hot! I loved Darby and Gabe together—the tension and banter between the two was addicting to read. As soon as I picked up this book, I couldn’t stop reading! The fake dating trope was perfect, and you just can’t help but root for them to finally end up together and realize what they have is real. This is such a perfect spicy romcom for anyone in the mood for a holiday romance. Highly, highly recommend!!
✨Holiday Romance
✨Fake Dating
✨Rom-Com
Darby is sick and tired of her family making comments about her still being single at 34. So Darby decides she wants to bring a fake boyfriend to her family’s house for Christmas. In comes Gabe—a 26-year old landscaper with a troubled past. Total opposite of Darby, but perfect for the job. Darby and Gabe agree that Gabe will play the role of “Bad Gabe” and make Darby’s family regret saying she should bring someone home for Christmas. However, lines are crossed and Darby and Gabe can’t tell what’s real and what’s fake.
I absolutely loved every single moment of this book. The perfect amount of comedy with the perfect amount of spice. It may have been snowing outside in this story, but the chemistry between Darby and Gabe was scorching hot! I loved Darby and Gabe together—the tension and banter between the two was addicting to read. As soon as I picked up this book, I couldn’t stop reading! The fake dating trope was perfect, and you just can’t help but root for them to finally end up together and realize what they have is real. This is such a perfect spicy romcom for anyone in the mood for a holiday romance. Highly, highly recommend!!
December 13, 2021
My Fake Bad Boyfriend by Sara Whitney
Highly recommended! 5 stars, we all need some holiday humor!
Darby St. Claire is tired of the remarks. Her family just can't seem to help themselves! She knows she's getting older, she knows most people her age are in serious relationships, she know, she know, she KNOWS!!! And, she's had it!
So, she decides to teach her family a lesson. Through a friend, she meets Gabe. They make a deal, he will be her fake boyfriend, and not only that, he'll be the worst fake boyfriend ever. They spend weeks texting and making plans; and Gabe comes up with some pretty funny things on his own to surprise Darby.
Her parents are shocked, her brother is appalled, and Darby is impressed with the bad boyfriend things Gabe came up with! Between pulling up in his old truck, carrying her own luggage, and always being at Gabe's service, Darby and Gabe are pulling it off with her family. Then, they take it up a few more notches!
But, somewhere along the way...
I was given a copy of this book to read and review. Thank you!
Loved this book! Absolutely 5 stars! Read it for some great laughs! My Fake Bad Boyfriend by Sara Whitney
Highly recommended! 5 stars, we all need some holiday humor!
Darby St. Claire is tired of the remarks. Her family just can't seem to help themselves! She knows she's getting older, she knows most people her age are in serious relationships, she know, she know, she KNOWS!!! And, she's had it!
So, she decides to teach her family a lesson. Through a friend, she meets Gabe. They make a deal, he will be her fake boyfriend, and not only that, he'll be the worst fake boyfriend ever. They spend weeks texting and making plans; and Gabe comes up with some pretty funny things on his own to surprise Darby.
Her parents are shocked, her brother is appalled, and Darby is impressed with the bad boyfriend things Gabe came up with! Between pulling up in his old truck, carrying her own luggage, and always being at Gabe's service, Darby and Gabe are pulling it off with her family. Then, they take it up a few more notches!
But, somewhere along the way...
I was given a copy of this book to read and review. Thank you!
Loved this book! Absolutely 5 stars! Read it for some great laughs! My Fake Bad Boyfriend by Sara Whitney
October 20, 2024
Delightful, hilarious, heart-warming, just the right amount of spice & laugh-out-loud funny! Well-done! 🌶️😂❤️💚🎅
This is everything I could want in a holiday book! (Don’t ask why I’m reading Christmas books in October - just go with it)
Read if you enjoy:
🎄Fake-dating
🎄 Forced Proximity
🎄 Meet the Family
🎄 Holiday Read
“I don’t need you to be the world's best boyfriend. I need you to be the world’s worst one. Can you do that?”
Just when you think this is going to be your typical bring a fake boyfriend home for the holidays to impress the parents - think again! I LOVED this funny creative spin on a classic trope. Gabe was the best “bad boyfriend” ever. Absolutely adorable. This book had me snort laughing so many times. I can’t wait to start the Cinnamon Roll Alpha series next! So happy to have discovered this author. I’m having so much fun reading her books! 📚
This is everything I could want in a holiday book! (Don’t ask why I’m reading Christmas books in October - just go with it)
Read if you enjoy:
🎄Fake-dating
🎄 Forced Proximity
🎄 Meet the Family
🎄 Holiday Read
“I don’t need you to be the world's best boyfriend. I need you to be the world’s worst one. Can you do that?”
Just when you think this is going to be your typical bring a fake boyfriend home for the holidays to impress the parents - think again! I LOVED this funny creative spin on a classic trope. Gabe was the best “bad boyfriend” ever. Absolutely adorable. This book had me snort laughing so many times. I can’t wait to start the Cinnamon Roll Alpha series next! So happy to have discovered this author. I’m having so much fun reading her books! 📚
December 11, 2023
This novella was an enjoyable twist to the fake dating trope. Having made a deal with Darby to play the worst boyfriend in the world in front of her family, Gabe finds himself acting like everything he is not. However, the obvious chemistry and building connection between them both becomes harder to ignore and the ruse harder to continue. Both Darby and Gabe were likeable characters and their romance was fun. This novella delivers a sweet and funny story with some steam that is great for either a quick fake dating read or a quick Christmas romance read.
Favourite Quote:
Favourite Quote:
“You were in kindergarten when I was getting boobs!”
“Awesome” … “Nice job with that, by the way.”
December 29, 2023
Okay, this might be the cutest, most charming Christmas novella I've ever read. It has a unique premise, fake dating but Gabe pretends to be a jerk so Darby's parents are happy for her to be single, and the execution is perfection. I loved every page, felt all the feelings, and believe in this HEA with every little bit of me. Darby's family is adorable, in spite of being way too invested in her love life, and I felt maximum holiday cheer reading about all their traditions and Christmas spirit. I hope to come back to this series every year, it was that good.
December 17, 2021
This was a nice twist to the fake boyfriend request. I loved Gabe and how he was up to the challenge. I was kind of thinking maybe I need my own fake bad boyfriend. The chemistry was amazing and the story has the laughs, the family, the steam.
December 19, 2021
Delightful Christmas read
My favorite holiday book so far, this clever story had me laughing out loud and occasionally cringing at Gabe’s hilarious attempts to be a bad boyfriend. Definitely a must read.
My favorite holiday book so far, this clever story had me laughing out loud and occasionally cringing at Gabe’s hilarious attempts to be a bad boyfriend. Definitely a must read.
October 25, 2023
I want to try and write reviews more often for the books I read, so I’m starting with this one. I was very pleasantly surprised by this book. It was the perfect fun, festive, and feel good holiday book. Very hallmark movie-esque without being too cheesy and with very engaging characters and cute banter. So far my favorite “stuff your kindle day” find.
January 7, 2024
לדרבי נמאס שהמשפחה שלה כל הזמן מציקה לה כי היא רווקה, והיא מחפשת מישהו שיתחזה כבן הזוג שלה עבור חופשת חג המולד אצל ההורים שלה. חברתה שולחת לה את גייב שמסכים למלא את התפקיד. דרבי מבקשת מגייב שלא סתם יתחזה כחבר שלה, אלא שגם ישחק אותה כדושבאג מגעיל, כדי שהמשפחה שלה לא תסבול אותו ותרצה שדרבי תזרוק אותו, וכך אולי תפסיק להציק לה שתצא עם גברים.
העניין הוא שגייב הוא דווקא בחור ממש נחמד, וככל שהזמן עובר, הוא דווקא מאוד נדלק על דרבי ומחבב אותה, וגם דרבי מחבבת אותו ונמשכת אליו, וגייב מאוד מתקשה להעמיד פנים שהוא טיפוס מגעיל ולהתנהג מגעיל לדרבי...
מותק של ספר! ממש נהניתי לקרוא.
העניין הוא שגייב הוא דווקא בחור ממש נחמד, וככל שהזמן עובר, הוא דווקא מאוד נדלק על דרבי ומחבב אותה, וגם דרבי מחבבת אותו ונמשכת אליו, וגייב מאוד מתקשה להעמיד פנים שהוא טיפוס מגעיל ולהתנהג מגעיל לדרבי...
מותק של ספר! ממש נהניתי לקרוא.
November 7, 2023
Gives all the warm holiday feels with lots of hilarity as well. What a great premise!
December 13, 2023
So cute! Love Gabe!
November 21, 2024
This started super strong, but I didn't like how certain things were written as the story progressed. I do think this would be such a fun holiday movie.
December 30, 2021
This was a great Christmas novella, I enjoyed the characters and the bizarre situation they are in, especially how it al works out in the end.
November 16, 2023
I actually laughed out loud at this. A few times.
There were a few spelling mistakes and grammatical errors.
There were a few spelling mistakes and grammatical errors.
November 23, 2023
4.5 super cute with witty banter and a smart heroine.
December 22, 2022
This was the December book for our Smutty Reading Book Club. I don‘t often finish the book before the meeting, but this was an easy one. It is short, sweet and spicy, and I really enjoyed myself while reading it.
December 7, 2023
4.5
Why was this so good??? Like I was not expecting this to be as fun & funny as it was. In such a short time I was rooting for these characters. The writing style is very reminiscent of one of my favs, Sarah Hogle. So if you love anything by Hogle definitely give this book a shot. I’m so excited to read the other books in this series & everything else by this author.
Why was this so good??? Like I was not expecting this to be as fun & funny as it was. In such a short time I was rooting for these characters. The writing style is very reminiscent of one of my favs, Sarah Hogle. So if you love anything by Hogle definitely give this book a shot. I’m so excited to read the other books in this series & everything else by this author.
December 14, 2023
Gabe & Darby ❤️
| Steam 🔥🔥🔥 Rated R, 1-3 scenes
| Feels 🙂🎄🌨️
| Steam 🔥🔥🔥 Rated R, 1-3 scenes
| Feels 🙂🎄🌨️
December 25, 2024
Cute and Christmassy! I loved the fake dating, bad boyfriend cringe going on.
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫/5
🌶️🌶️/5
The character chemistry was decent (except in the bedroom?) and the dialogue was hilarious. Wish the conflict hadn’t had such a clean and convenient resolution, but still good!
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫/5
🌶️🌶️/5
The character chemistry was decent (except in the bedroom?) and the dialogue was hilarious. Wish the conflict hadn’t had such a clean and convenient resolution, but still good!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 261 reviews